Summer Edition Novels & Stories

What do normal people do when they come to Crete for a summer vacation? They probably post photos on I*******m with captions like "Sun, sea, sand #blessed," sip ouzo in the evenings, smash plates, and just soak up that effortless island vibe. And what am I doing? I’m covering my ears with my hands, counting prime numbers backward in my head, and trying not to lose my absolute mind. I am in a literal marathon to stay sane.

Summer came, and with it the review. Not a formal review. Not the kind with a document and a set of criteria. Just the two of them, on a June evening, at the kitchen table with the Edinburgh summer going on outside, light until ten at night, the city doing something different in summer, something more open, the streets fuller and the air warmer and the Old Town smelling like something heated by a day of actual sun.

Bethany's expression froze, the joy in her eyes vanishing as sheer panic took its place. The terror she felt was laid bare in front of Mitchell, and in that moment, it looked almost comical. Though it was the height of summer, Bethany felt a chill crawl over her skin, a chill that had nothing to do with the weather. She had already experienced the madness that Mitchell could descend into for Heather's sake, twice now, and the fear of reliving it a third time made her stomach turn.

Aiden sat up straight in his seat. "What the f uck?! I don't even remember agreeing to come with you!" Aiden said in an annoyed tone, causing Arden to frown. I had to bite my lower lip to stop myself from laughing at their conversation. It was so cute to watch! "Bro, you're needed for our plan at the beach house this summer to work out." "I just want to stay home this summer to relax." Aiden said firmly to his sibling. Arden shook his head. "Tsk! That's so boring! I won't allow it. This is our last summer before college, so it should be memorable! We'll be with girls in bikinis!" Arden encouraged, but it seemed like Aiden wasn't going to give in anytime soon.

Akiko didn’t mind hugging Kenji like earlier—she was starting to get used to it—but sometimes she still got too shy when Kenji looked her in the eyes or smiled suddenly, or when he suggested getting close so casually like that. They left the therapy room, walking down the hospital corridor toward Akiko's room. "Summer is almost at its peak," Akiko said, extending her hand as they passed through a garden area. She caught the sunlight, feeling its warmth on her skin. "Yes, it’s time for festivals and fireworks," Kenji responded automatically. "What festival?" Akiko turned, her eyes curious. "The summer festival. I’ll take you there later. When..." Kenji mentioned the idea without thinking, out

, Luciano responded before giving a lengthy explanation. “Summer solstice is the day when we celebrate life and new beginnings. It starts in the morning. The whole town participates, and only a handful of stores are open in the morning, while all are closed in the afternoon. People compete in various sports, and there is a parade. Kids make their floats, and the best ones get rewards in various categories. In the afternoon, vendors open their stalls with games and food in the town square. In the evening, there is music, drinks, and dancing around the bonfire, and it all ends with fireworks.”

Bella dashed to the door and placed two umbrellas next to it, while I walked over and zipped up her school bag for her. A gentle breeze swept past the window, carrying the rich, malty scent of fresh bread from the streets below. Somewhere out there, spring was quietly blooming. The world outside our door was silent and vast. We weren't waiting for anyone to come and take us home anymore. We had found our own way.

"When I was thirteen, probably. Genevieve and my father took us there one weekend in the summer." "It's best in the summer," Eric said. "It doesn't get overwhelmingly hot, but it's warm enough that you can sit outside and get a sunburn if you aren't careful." "Do you miss it?" "Sometimes. But I like it here, too. You know how I appreciate the forest." "Yes. Fair warning, though, it does get really boring here." "I guess I can understand that, since you've lived here your whole life." Eric rested his chin in his palm.

But I wasn't about to miss out on a few extra minutes with him. The sun beat down on the black asphalt as we worked our way through the rows of cars. “Is summer like this in Paradisa?” I asked. Freddie looked around at the sizzling pavement, the screams of cicadas, and the rising humidity and shook his head. “Not at all. It's hot, but not like this. And our insects are a bit quieter.” I chuckled. “What kind of summer activities do you have?” He shrugged. “We ride horses, there's swimming, and the ocean is close.” He smiled, his eyes going distant. “We do bonfires on the beach. The water is always cold, but it's perfect after a hot day.”

After Summer had left for England, She arrived the university and was assisted to her dorm room. She shared a room with a New Yorker named Octavia. They were in the same faculty and in turn became friends. Leo, William, Drake and Stephanie also left for college. During the Holidays they would all return home. Summer didn’t associate with them much because she was beyond busy, any little opportunity she gets she put it into her business. The only time she was spotted was on Sandra’s wedding day and the naming ceremony for Sandra’s baby.